Wilson Adekumola
The convener of the Asiwaju Maritime Network, Usman Shuaibu Kaoje has expressed confidence that the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has the wherewithal to improve the maritime sector.
According to Leadership, in a statement signed by its secretary general, Shehu Popoola-Taiwo, the group applauded Tinubu as a ‘Remarkable Democrat’ with a unique wisdom, experience and commitment to improve Nigeria’ maritime sector as promised in his campaign.
“This victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a new dawn to the maritime sector further to the actualization of his campaign promises anchored on decongestion of Apapa port, greater use of eastern ports, port modernization and inter-agency coordination & coordination.
“The election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is hard earned in view of Tinubu long standing record of performance, political strategies and industry transformer as he shown during his tenure of Lagos that set the vision for Lekki deep seaport and Eko Atlantic City important to improve the image and status of the maritime sector in Nigeria.
“The Asiwaju Maritime Network being a platform for maritime stakeholders to interact, dialogue and mobilise support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) on peculiars needs of the maritime sector in Nigeria conducted perception survey as part of the 2023 Presidential Maritime Agenda 2023,” the statement said.
The group also implored Tinubu to set up a dedicated ministry of Maritime Affairs and appoint maritime experts to head – as demonstrated by the success of the independence of the ministry of Aviation.
Explaining the impact of the ministry, the group said it will encourage specialisation, focus and strategic planning to propel the industry and oversee the implementation of National Maritime Strategy and Maritime Transport Policy.
It was gathered that the group also requested for the establishment of the National Maritime Development Bank that will be responsible for funding, incentives & interventions that will improve the growth of the sector.
The group further urged the president-elect to consider establishing the Nigerian Coast Guard and convert all administrative structure, funding and assets of the newly established deep blue project as established in many climes.
“Members of this group wish to assure President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of their unflinching support during your tenure as President in realising with us the aforementioned projects/programmes,” the statement said.
Popoola called on Nigerians to be calm, notinvg that the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the aspirations and wishes of Nigerians.
He urged the opposition to accept defeat in good faith and pray for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria under Bola Ahmed Tinubu.